A Diary of my Painting

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EVENING PERFORMANCE AT THE ATKINSON, SOUTHPORT – WATERCOLOUR PAINTING

I have sat outside and painted this building in the centre of Southport on at least two occasions and recently I spotted this angle which has the imposing clock tower dominating the scene. Then one night we went to see a performance and the evening sunlight lit up the sandstone façade and I quickly took some photos. So this painting is a combination of a number of photos taken on different days with very different lighting conditions. It made the drawing mighty complicated and where I had problems and uncertainties I covered them in people. All I was after was the tower in shade against the glow of the sunlit façade. Also the top half was from really dark photos, but I couldn’t put anyone up there to cover uncertainties so I winged it with the lights and shades.

With all these problems I wished half way through I hadn’t started it, but it pulled through in the end. Perhaps I should have got on my bike and taken a few more reference shots but when you’re in the thick of it you think you can make do.

I love it; I think you’ve done a brilliant job with it. I’d have never guessed you had doubts, misgivings, or anything else but mad talent and a flair for the medium. Thanks for sharing, Graham. (By the way, I actually sold one of my paintings that you gave such wonderful feedback about. My first sale – it was the “World Turning” painting from early this month. I want to thank you for your time, analysis and encouragement; it means a lot.)

Thanks Laura. And well done on selling – you say it’s your first one so that’s extra special.. People can say what they like about your work, but when they put their hand in their pocket they are serious and really mean it.